The procedure introduced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has helped block 27.87 million irregularly obtained Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs).
The PTA introduced procedures include Subscriber Verification System and SIM Information System. Anyone can verify the number of issued SIMs by sending his computerised national identity card (CNIC) number at 668 through a text message. The drive was launched in consultation with cellular companies. These mechanisms have also helped regularise SIMs issued to 21 million subscribers.
The authority in its latest report has revealed that the introduced procedures were put in place to counter misuse of CNIC copies and address concerns of law enforcement agencies.
The process of pre-sale documentation is yet another step taken to make secure the sale of SIMs. The procedure was introduced last year under which the customer is required to present his original CNIC at an authorised sale point to get connection from a cellular company. The customer is then required to call at 789 helpline and give personal information before the SIM is activated.
The authority has said the PTA conducted 12 field surveys to assure standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being properly implemented. Survey results were sent to the cellular companies to take action against the authorised dealers who were not following SOPs. The report also said 291 cases of illegal sale of SIMs had been forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and police concerned to initiate legal action.
The report says the new procedures on one hand were helping minimise misuse of CNIC copies and on the other facilitating in keeping authentic record on SIMs sale. It also claims that transition from existing Cellular Subscriber Agreement Form (CSAF) to the e-CSAF will help maintain an authentic database of subscribers.